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Start ’em, Sit ’em: Prescott in for big day

By Grant Ramirez

Sports Blogger

@Grant_Ramirez3

Start ‘em

Mark Ingram, RB, New Orleans Saints (vs GB)

Mark Ingram ran all over the Lions in New Orleans’ first game since trading Adrian Peterson, totaling 114 rushing yards and two touchdowns. He accomplished that against a rushing defense that ranked in the top 10 at the time, so he should have an even easier time against a vulnerable Green Bay front. Despite not being known for his abilities out of the backfield, Ingram also proved to be effective in the pass game in Detroit, which gives him even more fantasy value. Alvin Kamara will also get his fair share of touches, but the Saints will continue to lean on Ingram as the workhorse.

Jacksonville Jaguars, D/ST (vs IND)

Despite allowing an average of only 16.6 points per game through the first five weeks, Todd Gurley and the Rams scored 27 points against Jacksonville in Week 6. On Sunday, the Jaguars’ defense has a much easier task of slowing down an Indianapolis’ offense that doesn’t have anywhere near the firepower that Los Angeles has. Quarterback Jacoby Brissett has done a solid job filling in for Andrew Luck, but he will be under pressure a lot against the No. 1 team in the NFL in sacks.

Dak Prescott, QB, Dallas Cowboys (vs SF)

(Bruce Adler, Flickr)

The Cowboys being on a two-game losing streak has nothing to do with the play of Dak Prescott. He was phenomenal in his last two games at escaping pressure and making plays on the move. Prescott has a good matchup on Sunday against a San Francisco team that ranks in the bottom five in the league in pass defense. Plus, Ezekiel Elliott’s suspension was put on hold at least for another week which should take some pressure off of Prescott and open up the passing game.

Sit ‘em

Frank Gore, RB, Indianapolis Colts (vs JAX)

The seemingly ageless Frank Gore is finally slowing down. He is averaging only 3.4 yards per carry and his most productive day this season was 57 yards against Cleveland’s poor defense. On Sunday, Gore will face his toughest challenge to date against a tenacious Jacksonville team. Reserve running back Robert Turbin suffered a season ending injury on Monday, which should open up some more touches in the backfield, however, I see many of those going to rookie Marlon Mack. Although Mack struggled in limited work against the Titans, he has flashed potential and explosiveness, and the Colts could lean toward giving the young guy more work.

Evan Engram, TE, New York Giants (vs SEA)

Evan Engram was productive on Sunday against a great Denver defense, catching 5 passes for 87 yards and a touchdown. He has become quarterback Eli Manning’s go-to guy with the Giants’ top three receivers out with injuries. New York hosts the Seahawks on Sunday, however, which will be a challenge for Engram, as he will be going up against elite safeties and linebackers such as Earl Thomas, Kam Chancellor and Bobby Wagner. Currently the Giants’ biggest weapon, Seattle will focus in on taking Engram away from Manning and force him to go in other directions.

Washington Redskins, D/ST (vs PHI)

Washington’s defense has impressed this season, ranking No. 6 overall in yards allowed. However, it gave up 30 points to Philadelphia when the two teams faced off in Week 1, and that was before Carson Wentz and the Eagles were firing on all cylinders. Philadelphia has torched the Panthers and Cardinals in their last two games, and Washington’s defense isn’t as talented as those teams, especially with elite cornerback Josh Norman still out with a chest injury.